Tips to Prevent Teeth Stains with Braces
The day you finally get your braces off is the most exciting day of your orthodontic treatment. However, if you see stained teeth smiling back at you in the mirror, your excitement might take a back seat. Keep reading for expert advice on preventing braces stains to ensure your newly aligned smile shines brightly.
What Causes Braces Stains?
It is important to clarify that the material used for braces and bonding does not discolor teeth. Most patients develop stains from plaque buildup around their brackets. Cleaning teeth with braces is challenging due to the appliances creating additional surfaces for plaque to accumulate. If plaque is not thoroughly removed daily, it can cause staining and lead to demineralization. Demineralization initially shows as white spots on the teeth, which can progress to cavities if left untreated. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, are essential for preventing stains and maintaining dental health.
How to Prevent Discoloration
Preventing stains during orthodontic treatment requires diligent attention to oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help maintain a stain-free smile throughout treatment:
Brush Thoroughly: Brush your teeth after every meal and snack with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires, using gentle circular motions to remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss Daily: You only reach about 60% of tooth surfaces with a toothbrush alone; flossing daily cleans the remaining parts of the tooth. Brackets and wires can make flossing a bit more time-consuming. However, a floss threader can help patients reach under hardware with ease. Alternatively, water flossers are an excellent choice for patients who have a tough time flossing by hand.
- Use Interdental Brushes: Interdental brushes are small, thin brushes that can comfortably fit under wires to remove excess food particles that are challenging to reach with a toothbrush. This tool can be a powerful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine and used after meals to quickly clean your smile on the go.
- Rinse With Water: Swish water around your mouth to wash away excess bacteria and food particles after meals and snacks. Additionally, prioritizing hydration promotes saliva production to naturally rinse away plaque.
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and dark sodas, can contribute to staining. Limit your consumption of these common staining culprits, or if you do indulge, brush your teeth afterward.
- Do Not Use Whitening Products: Whitening toothpaste, strips, and mouthwash should never be used while wearing braces. The whitening ingredients will not be able to effectively reach the areas of teeth covered by brackets and wires, resulting in uneven whitening.
- Attend Regular Dental Cleanings: Regular cleanings with your general dental provider are critical during orthodontic treatment. Your hygienist can remove built up tartar around brackets to prevent stains from developing.
Treatments for Tooth Stains
Fortunately, several treatments are available to address stains that may have developed during orthodontic treatment. Professional teeth whitening treatments can help lift stubborn stains to restore the natural brightness of your smile. For deeper stains, dental bonding or porcelain veneers are options for covering discolored areas to create a more uniform appearance.
Your dentist can determine the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of the stains and your dental history. With the right approach, you won't have to worry about stains distracting from your newly straightened smile.